How to Make a Wood Sign With a Poster
- 1). Cut your wood to the size you desire for your finished sign. Plaques are usually pre-cut, but if you're using particle board or press board, you'll need to cut it to size. Draw guidelines on the board with a pencil, and cut directly over the lines with a scroll saw. When using a scroll saw, wear protective eyewear, work gloves and a respirator.
- 2). Sand the edges of the cut wood with sandpaper until they are smooth. For a rounded appearance, sand at an angle along the edges.
- 3). Paint the board or plaque with a background color that matches the poster. For a frame-like effect, paint the board with a contrasting color that looks good with the poster. Choosing an accent color in the poster for the background color of the wood pulls the sign together and gives the sign a harmonious look. Wait for the first coat of paint to dry, and brush on one more coat for good, durable coverage.
- 4). Plan the placement of your poster on the board. If you intend to decoupage the entire poster to the board, center it in the middle. If you want to cut the poster apart and arrange the pieces on the board, plan your arrangement carefully. Once you decoupage the paper pieces to the board, you cannot remove them.
- 5). Turn your poster or poster pieces over so the front side is facing down on your work surface. Use a paint brush to apply a thin coat of decoupage medium to the backs of the poster or poster pieces. The edges will begin to curl after a few seconds.
- 6). Apply the poster or poster pieces to the painted board. Use your fingers to smooth the pieces onto the board working from the center of the pieces out toward the edges. This center-to-edge motion helps to remove air bubbles that may be trapped underneath the paper. After the poster pieces are applied to the board, let the decoupage medium dry for a couple of hours.
- 7). Use a paint brush to brush the decoupage medium over the entire surface of the wooden sign. Allow the decoupage medium to cure for 48 hours.
- 8). Apply a coat of varnish to the wooden sign with a wide, soft paint brush. If you intend to use the sign outdoors, let the first coat sit for 24 hours, and then apply a second coat of varnish.
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